Myles Montgomery is turning heads in Foxborough with his blistering speed and determination, making a serious bid for a coveted spot in the New England Patriots' backfield. This undrafted dynamo clocked a jaw-dropping 4.39-second 40-yard dash, and now he's leveraging a record-setting contract to vie for a spot on the depth chart.
During the Patriots' mandatory minicamp from June 9-11, Montgomery's performance left a lasting impression on the coaching staff. Although evaluating a running back in non-contact drills can be tricky, Montgomery's speed and agility are undeniable. His journey from UCF to New England has been marked by perseverance and a burning desire to succeed.
Competing against the Patriots' seventh-round pick Jam Miller and second-year player Terrell Jennings, Montgomery is making the most of every opportunity. His college days at UCF showcased his potential, and now he's eager to prove his worth in the NFL.
Running backs coach Jimmy Beal has been vocal about Montgomery's work ethic and potential impact. "He's going to work," Beal stated confidently.
"He's going to make somebody love him. And right now, that's the Patriots."
New England has shown their faith in Montgomery by signing him to a three-year deal, making him the highest-paid undrafted free agent in Patriots history with $272,500 in guarantees. This contract surpasses previous records set by tight end C.J. Dippre and cornerback Channing Canada.
Montgomery's path to the NFL began at Cincinnati, where he rushed for 548 yards and four touchdowns over two seasons. Seeking a fresh start, he transferred to UCF, where he truly found his stride. In his senior year, Montgomery stepped up as the lead back, rushing for 705 yards and four touchdowns, while also contributing 182 yards through the air.
His impressive college career and standout performances in minicamp have set the stage for a fierce competition for the third-string running back position. With his speed and determination, Montgomery is poised to make a significant impact for the Patriots in the upcoming season. Keep an eye on this speedster as he looks to carve out his place in New England's offense.
In Other News...
UCF's Pass Rush Future Now Rests With One Rising Assistant
Mike Dawsons rise in UCFs defensive staff has become one of the more encouraging subplots around the programs pass rush. The Knights defensive run game coordinator was recently tabbed as the third-best EDGE coach in the Big 12 by Matrix Analytical, a nod that carries extra weight after he helped develop two former UCF EDGE players into NFL talent. Malachi Lawrence is now with the Dallas Cowboys, while Nyjalik Kelly landed with the Green Bay Packers, giving Dawson a track record the Knights can point to as they reshape that part of the defense.
Now the bigger question is how smoothly that next wave comes together in 2026. UCF has to replace both of those departures while building around returning pieces and a batch of transfers, all under Dawsons guidance. The good news for the Knights is that the room already has some continuity, and the newcomers are trying to fit into a system that has already produced pro-caliber results. What that rotation ultimately looks like when the season arrives will say plenty about how far Dawsons influence can stretch. [Read more 🡒]
Former UCF Defender Opens Up About A Knights Career That Changed Fast
Randy Charltons football path has been anything but straight, and the former UCF defensive end is still trying to turn an abrupt college arc into a lasting pro career. After transferring to Mississippi State and earning a starting role there, he went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft before landing with the Miami Dolphins practice squad and then spending time with the Edmonton Elks and Orlando Pirates.
Charltons latest stop is with the Birmingham Stallions, another chance to put good tape together and keep pushing toward an NFL return. For a player whose career has already crossed leagues and countries, the challenge now is less about proving he can play than about finally finding the kind of stability that has eluded him since his college days changed so quickly. [Read more 🡒]
UCF Transfer Could Change Everything In One Crucial Line Battle
Brady Wayburn looks like one of the more important additions on UCFs 2026 roster, and it is easy to see why the Knights are giving the former UConn lineman a real look at right guard. He started six games there last season after appearing in a larger role for the Huskies, and that kind of live-game experience is exactly what UCF is buying into as it tries to firm up the interior of its offensive line.
Offensive line coach AJ Blazek has been upbeat about Wayburns strength and run-blocking fit, especially in a system that leans on wide zone concepts. Wayburn is in the mix to claim the job, though the final alignment may not be settled yet, and how UCF sorts out that right side could determine whether his transfer turns into a quiet depth move or one of the more consequential camp battles on the roster. [Read more 🡒]